Ever feel like you don’t fit in? What about feeling like you could be terminated if anyone found out you had overridden your protocol? Perhaps the second part is harder to relate to for humans, but for androids or even aMurderbot, it can be an unexpected scenario that makes for a goodTV series.
MuderbotonAppleTV+follows the adventures of a humanoid robot played byAlexander Skarsgårdwho has figured out how tooverride an internal processor that forced him to obey human commands. Giving himself the moniker “Murderbot,” he is selected for security detail by a small group of scientists. He tries to live life with hisnewfound and illegal autonomy as a secret. Mixing humor with great action, dynamic visual effects, and shocking twists,Murderbotis a great watch. If you’ve already binged the first season, here are some other shows you might enjoy.
10’The Orville' (2017–2022)
Created by Seth MacFarlane
From the creative mind behindFamily GuyandTed,Seth MacFarlane’s humor gets launched into a whole new realm inThe Orville. Baring some similarities to the classicStar Trek,The Orvillefollows a crew aboarda spaceship seeking to explore the cosmos together and learn what lies beyond the known universe. Not only does the show feature great guest appearances and side plots, but a superb cast as the crew’s main staff.
Fans ofMurderbotwill enjoy the irreverent humor ofThe Orvilleand watching all of the interpersonal dynamicsas people are forced to live and work next to each other in the vacuum of space. A particular storyline that will resonate with viewers is that of Isaac (Mark Jackson), their onboard android. As Isaac learns more about humanity, he discovers his own, and his relationship with Dr. Claire Finn (Penny Johnson Jerald)becomes surprisingly touching and meaningful. After Isaac has his own “murderbot” moment, the show explores profound themes of remorse and forgiveness.
The Orville
Set 400 years in the future, finds the crew of the U.S.S. Orville continuing their mission of exploration, as they navigate both the mysteries of the universe and the complexities of their own interpersonal relationships.
9’Loki' (2021–2023)
Created by Michael Waldron
Based on the brooding villain made famous in theMCUbyTom Hiddleston,Lokifollows the demigod as he is forced to realize that there is more than one version of himself in a multiverse of existence. As the main “variant” tries to work with the TVA (Time Variance Authority) to restore the sacred timeline,he must wrestle with inner and outer demons pulling at himfrom every direction.
Similar toMurderbot,Lokideals with philosophical ideas such as free will, fate, and self-awareness. Hiddleston is as dynamic in the small screen role as he was in theMarvel films. It is one of the most popular Marvel television installments and an important onethat defines the multiverse conceptin the larger MCU canon.
Loki, the God of Mischief, steps out of his brother’s shadow to embark on an adventure that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.”
8’Battlestar Galactica' (2004–2009)
Created by Ronald D. Moore
Human-looking robots that have an ulterior motiveis the raison d’être forGlen A. LarsonandRonald D. Moore’s seriesBattlestar Galactica. Known as “Cylons”, the almost undetectable androids infiltrate society and covertly attempt to undermine and subvert humanity.
With iconic performances by actors such asEdward James Olmosas Admiral Adama,Katee Sackhoffas Starbuck, andMary McDonnellas President Roslin, it is for many sci-fi fansa perfect series, from start to finish.
Battlestar Galactica
When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.
7’Star Trek: The Next Generation' (1987–1994)
Created by Gene Roddenberry
The Emmy-winning sequelto the OG galactic exploration series,Star Trek: The Next Generation, continues to be a timeless classic.The thoughtful writing explores topics such as gender identity, racism, and parenting techniques, which remain as relevant now as they were when the series aired. The talented cast includes TV titans such asPatrick Stewart,Jonathan Frakes,Michael Dorn,Whoopi Goldberg, andLeVar Burton.
One area where “Next Gen” boldly went where no series had gone before was in its depiction of artificial intelligence, namely in the embodiment of their Lieutenant Commander, Data.Brent Spinerplayed the role to perfection,laying the foundation for an acting archetype that was the first of its kind. The most infamous episode aired in Season 2, Episode 9, and was entitled “The Measure of a Man.” In the episode,Data is on trial, arguing in a court-like setting for the right to his independence as a sentient being. The series likely had no idea howrelevant such a debate would bethree decades later. “The Measure of a Man” remains not only one of the greatest episodes of any Star Trek series, but one of the greatest television episodes in all sci-fi history.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk’s 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.
6’Severance' (2022–)
Created by Dan Erickson
A show getting a lot of buzzfor possible Emmy nominationsis the psychological thrillerSeverance. The managers of Lumon Industries have an unusual solution to creating a work-life balance for their workers.They erase their employees' memories when they leave work. Talk about not taking work home with you.
Fans ofMurderbotwill enjoy asimilar premise of job-related entanglements. As Murderbot overrides the protocol that claimed total control of his life,the employees of Lumon struggle to find freedomand independence in a corporation that is less than honest with them.
Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. When a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, it begins a journey to discover the truth about their jobs.
5’Andor' (2022–2025)
Created by Tony Gilroy
In a cinematic universe that basically invented the concept of androids, theStar WarsseriesAndoris a great watch for fans ofMurderbot. Not only does the showgive dynamic lines and action sequencesto its metallic-bodied characters,it also explores the tumultuous and diverse political climate of a galactic state.
Much like characters from the commune like Mensah (Noma Dumezweni) and Ratthi (Akshay Khanna),the characters inAndorrely on androids for service and protection. They also must navigate how to treat, think, and relate to themas something more than just machines.
Prequel series to Star Wars' ‘Rogue One’. In an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue, Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a Rebel hero.
4’Westworld' (2016–2022)
Created by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan
Another thrilling sci-fi series to address the issue of robotic compliance and indentured servitude is the western-themed hit,Westworld. Similar toMurderbot, the androids inWestworldhave programming inside their software that makes them unable to harm a human being, no matter how the human is treating them.
As the robots or “hosts” in Westworld gain control of their fate, a few of them turn into “muderbots,“and there are some intense action scenes that will keepfans of the genre glued to their screens.
At the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past waits a world in which every human appetite can be indulged without consequence.
3’Black Mirror' (2011–)
Created by Charlie Brooker
If exploring hypothetical concepts like what if a robot became self-aware is your jam, then the anthology seriesBlack Mirrorshould be your next watch. Similar to its predecessors,The Twilight ZoneandThe Outer Limits,Black Mirrorprovides episode-length vignettesthat pose someprobing and profound philosophical questions.
Though each episode varies in its tonality and mise en scène, the core of staging thought-provoking hypotheticals is a current that runs throughout the series. With industry legends likePaul GiamattiandBryce Dallas Howardmaking guest appearances,it is the best anthology series on air right now.
Black Mirror
An anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tech multiverse where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.
2’Resident Alien' (2021–)
Created by Chris Sheridan
Trying to fit in and keep your hidden self, well, hidden, is something the main character ofSyfy’sResident Alienknows all about. An extraterrestrial (played byAlan Tudyk) crash-lands on Earth and adopts a human disguise to blend in with the locals of a small rural community. Much likeMurderbot, Tudyk’s character must learn about humanity andbehave as if everything is normal, while hiding his true intentions.
Resident Alien’s writing is superb, blendinggreat representation for First Nations and immigrant people groups, compelling plot points, and humorous wit.Corey Reynolds,Elizabeth Bowen,Sara Tomko, andAlice Wetterlundround out the immensely gifted cast, and it is a great show to add to your sci-fi watch list.
Resident Alien
A crash-landed alien takes on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor and slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret mission on Earth.
1’Lost in Space' (2018-2021)
Created by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless
A modern reimagining of the 1960s classic of the same name,Lost in Spaceis a great show for anyone who enjoyed watchingMurderbot.In a reversal ofResident Alien,Lost in Spacefeatures a human family that crash-lands on an alien planet. Among their challenges and discoveries on the new terrain, they come across an intelligent robot that bonds with their son, Will (Maxwell Jenkins).
While the robot (Brian Steele) is far from predictable or safe, it seems to be devoted to Will and to protecting him. Besides the robot-human relationship dynamic,Lost in Spacehas interesting interpersonal conflicts within the rest of the cast, and the characters are revealed as being more layered and complex as the series progresses.Lost in Spacewould make a great watch for fans ofMurderbotandis an underrated gemyou should leave some space for on your watchlist.
